20 block-makers empowered through SBB & CHPA partnership

A new initiative undertaken by the Small Business Bureau (SBB) in collaboration with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) will see approximately twenty (20) block-makers being equipped with business and financial management skills.

The training programme in small business management, financial management, and record-keeping was rolled out to equip approximately twenty potential and current block- makers with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully start and manage their businesses.
Housing and Water Minister Collin Coal has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for small businesses, and has emphasised that it is now up to entrepreneurs to fully utilize the range of services available to them completely free of charge and work towards growing their businesses.
Also present at the engagement was Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Small Business Bureau (SBB), Mohamed Ibrahim, who also took the opportunity to educate current and potential business owners about the numerous business grants among other resources that small business owners can access through the Bureau.
The seasoned business official further encouraged attendees to register with the SBB and take advantage of programs such as free business training, sponsorships, and the Loan Guarantee Programme, among others.
Through this initiative, participants would undergo training is several key areas, such as marketing strategies, boosting sales, and effectively managing expenses to maximize profitability.
Meanwhile, participants of the training programme also took the time to highlight how this initiative has had a positive impact on their lives. One such person was Keisha Peters, a Sophia resident, who revealed how the initiative has helped her move one step closer to her goal of becoming a business owner.
“I have never owned a business of my own, but I always wanted to have my own business because I don’t like working with people. But because of certain circumstances, you still have to work with others to provide. But today I feel as though I can expand and grow once I start block-making. It’s not something I wanted to do, but today Miss James made me want to get into the business,” she said.
Peters is urging women to enroll themselves into the programme. She said, “Men aren’t the only ones that can do block-making. I’m telling you women can be onboard and we can do it as well.”
Another participant commended the bureau for providing citizens with crucial knowledge that would allow them to properly manage their small enterprises.
“I think education is freedom, and going into a business, these are programmes that you need to stand out. As much as it is a small business, businesses start from somewhere, and this programme enhances the development of your business.”
The participant further lauded the programme administrator for her excellent teaching skills, and further encouraged persons to upskill themselves through programmes like this one.
“With this programme, it’s a plus. I think the lecturer did a fantastic job. She blew the curtains off, and it gives me the encouragement to expand more. And this is what me need; programmes like these young people need to be a part of”.
The Small Business Bureau is a semi-autonomous agency established under the Ministry of Business, and is based on the Small Business Act of 2004. The mission of this organization is to enable sustained growth and uniform diversification of MSEs within local sectors with a view to creating positive, measurable impacts through expert guidance, effectively channelled resources, comprehensive networking, and provision of a supporting environment for maximized performance.